Output details
13 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials
University of Sheffield : B - Materials Science and Engineering
Collective dynamics underpins Rayleigh behavior in disordered polycrystalline ferroelectrics
Ferroelectric/elastic domain wall motion in lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is responsible for its large piezoelectric coefficient and results in a wide range of sensor, actuator and motor applications. The paper illustrates for the first time that, unlike in bulk, domain wall motion in PZT thin films occurs via an avalanche-like mechanism. Understanding the difference between domain wall motion in thin film and bulk piezoelectrics is critical if PZT is to be utilized in micro electromechanical systems (MEMS). The work resulted in a joint grant with Trolier McKinstry (Pennsylvania State University) and Kalinin (Oak Ridge National Labs) (EP/I038934/1, £393k).